Haimu Orange Sea vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Haimu Orange Sea and Gateron Smoothie Silver are two popular linear options that cater to different preferences. The Haimu Orange Sea is celebrated for its impeccably smooth feel and neutral sound signature, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a more subdued typing experience without the distractions of audible clicks. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver stands out due to its all-POM construction and short travel distance, providing lightning-fast actuation, a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and an incredibly light touch, ideal for gamers looking for rapid key responses. While both switches offer a linear experience, the Haimu Orange Sea leans towards a more balanced typing feel, while the Smoothie Silver emphasizes speed and tactile feedback. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

Gateron Smoothie Silver Linear

$2.79 per 10

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the Haimu Orange Sea and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, we notice distinct differences that influence their sound profiles and overall performance. The Haimu Orange Sea features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that resonates clearly, making it particularly effective when paired with RGB lighting due to its clear appearance. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver's top housing is made from POM, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. The softer nature of POM contributes to a unique sound profile that, although rich and pleasing, lacks the high-pitched clarity associated with polycarbonate. Thus, while both materials serve to enhance the auditory experience of their respective switches, they achieve vastly different sound characteristics.

When we look at the bottom housings of these two switches, the differences in materials continue to play a crucial role in shaping sound. The Haimu Orange Sea uses nylon for its bottom housing, a classic choice that results in a deeper, fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon leads to more absorbed sound, producing a duller and rounder tone upon bottoming out. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver employs POM for its bottom housing as well, which, much like its top counterpart, offers a pleasing sound. Both material choices in the Smoothie Silver render a relatively muted sound profile that complements the deeper nature of the top housing. In this comparison, the nylon bottom housing leans towards a rounder characteristic, while the POM maintains a consistent muted quality in both top and bottom.

In terms of how these materials interact to create a cohesive typing experience, it becomes clear that both switches are designed with specific sound profiles in mind, even though their materials differ. For instance, the qualities of the housing materials will work together to form a unified auditory signature, where the nylon bottom housing in the Orange Sea emphasizes deeper notes while the polycarbonate top provides brightness. Conversely, the Smoothie Silver's POM allows for a consistently muted experience throughout its structure, producing a unique sound without breaking into higher pitches. Thus, while the two switches use different materials, the integration of softer and harder components results in each offering distinct yet pleasing auditory outcomes, shaped by where each material is located within the switch.

Weight

When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch to the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation forces. The Orange Sea has an actuation force of 37 grams, making it the lighter option, ideal for users who prefer a keyboard that allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver has a higher actuation force of 45 grams, catering to those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. The bottom out force of the Orange Sea is 45 grams, indicating a consistent push feel, whereas the bottom out force for the Smoothie Silver is unknown. As a result, while both switches may provide satisfying tactile feedback, the Orange Sea is lighter overall, while the Smoothie Silver leans towards a heavier feel. If the bottom out force for the Smoothie Silver were available, it could further clarify the differences in feedback during use.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, we see that the Orange Sea has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Smoothie Silver measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This difference indicates that the Orange Sea provides a more substantial feel during key presses, which may appeal to users who prefer a deeper and more tactile experience. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver, with its shorter travel distance, may cater to gamers and those seeking faster response times, as it allows for quicker key actuations. Ultimately, if one prefers a more responsive typing experience, opting for the Smoothie Silver would be advantageous, while the Orange Sea would suit those who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Haimu Orange Sea is characterized by its neutral sound signature, allowing for a more subdued auditory experience when typing. This makes it suitable for quieter environments where you want to minimize disruption. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver produces a thocky sound, giving a more satisfying acoustic feedback that is often preferred by users who appreciate a pronounced sound profile while typing. However, it's essential to note that sound can be influenced by various factors like the keyboard's build quality, the material of the keycaps, and the overall design, meaning the final auditory result can vary regardless of the switch.

In terms of feel, the Haimu Orange Sea offers an impeccably smooth typing experience, providing a wonderfully fluid transition without any noticeable bump or resistance. This makes it ideal for users who favor a linear switch that excels in uninterrupted keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver features unparalleled smoothness along with a feather-light touch. This combination not only allows for fast actuation but also enhances the typing speed, appealing particularly to gamers seeking a quick response.

Considering all this information, both the Haimu Orange Sea and Gateron Smoothie Silver offer distinct advantages depending on your preferences. If you prioritize a smoother, quieter typing experience, the Orange Sea would be a solid choice. Conversely, if you enjoy a more tactile and responsive experience with a more pronounced sound, you might find the Smoothie Silver more appealing. Ultimately, you can't go wrong with either switch as they similarly excel in smoothness; however, your choice may lean more towards sound and actuation speed preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, your choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a tactile experience with a soft bottom-out force that feels smooth and neutral, the Orange Sea is tailored for you. It's ideal for those who appreciate a balanced sound and feel during their typing sessions, making it a solid option for both casual use and work environments. On the other hand, if you're someone who values speed and responsiveness, the Gateron Smoothie Silver might be the better fit. With its ultra-light actuation and quick travel distance, it is perfect for fast-paced gaming or typing where rapid response times are critical. Additionally, the thocky sound profile adds a unique auditory element that can enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, by evaluating your specific preferences regarding actuation force, sound, and feel, you can choose the switch that best complements your keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Smoothie Silver Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn more